Here's how you can remain influential as an interior designer in your late career.

Attend Design Expos and Events: Design expos, trade shows, and industry events are excellent opportunities to stay updated on current trends and innovations. These gatherings often showcase emerging materials, technologies, and design concepts that can inspire new ideas for your projects. Engaging with younger designers or professionals new to the industry can provide fresh perspectives and insights into contemporary design trends. Collaborating or exchanging ideas with them can spark creativity and keep your approach dynamic.

To maintain influence as an interior designer in your later career, focus on continuous learning and adaptation to trends, while leveraging your extensive experience and unique design perspective. Build a strong network within the industry, mentor emerging talent, and showcase your work through diverse platforms and media. Embrace technology to streamline processes and reach a broader audience. Stay current with sustainability practices and incorporate them into your designs. Above all, maintain a passion for creativity and innovation, ensuring your designs continue to inspire and resonate with clients and peers alike.

Courses and Workshops: Participate in courses and workshops to learn new skills and techniques. Certifications: Pursue certifications in specialized areas of interior design to enhance your expertise.

Industry Events: Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to connect with peers and potential clients. Professional Associations: Join and take active roles in professional associations to expand your network and influence.

Having a brand is great, having a personal brand is better. If you manage to build a personal reputation, you will carry this reputation to whatever brand you create in any industry you get into.

Client Relationships: Maintain and build strong relationships with clients to ensure repeat business and referrals. Health and Well-being: Take care of your health and well-being to stay energetic and passionate about your work.

Don’t treat project closures as mere transactions. Think of it as the beginning of a new relationship. Building life-long relationships with your clients is key. Always stay in courting mode. Send birthday cards, remember anniversaries, check in on their needs regularly. Heck, you should even take them out for lunch! It makes them feel valued and always keeps you on top of mind. Whenever they or someone they know have a need for an interior designer, who will they call? It’s you, of course! This is the biggest asset you can build that will keep your business booming even late in your career.